'Kings Must Die' by Robert Service
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Alphonso Rex who died in Rome
Was quite a fistful as a kid;
For when I visited his home,
That gorgeous palace in Madrid,
The grinning guide-chap showed me where
He rode his bronco up the stair.
That stairway grand of marbled might,
The most majestic in the land,
In statured splendour, flight on flight,
He urged his steed with whip in hand.
No lackey could restrain him for
He gained the gilded corridor.
He burst into the Royal suite,
And like a cowboy whooped with glee;
Dodging the charger's flying feet
The Chamberlain was shocked to see:
Imagine how it must have been a
Grief to Mother Queen Christina!
And so through sheer magnificence
I roamed from stately room to room,
Yet haunted ever by the sense
Of tragical dynastic doom.
The walls were wailing: Kings must die,
Being plain blokes like you and I.
Well, here's the moral to my rhyme:
When memories more worthy fade
We find that whimsically Time
Conserves some crazy escapade.
So as I left I stood to stare
With humorous enjoyment where
Alphonso crashed the Palace stair.
Editor 1 Interpretation
#Kings Must Die: A Masterpiece of Robert Service#
Kings Must Die is one of the most celebrated poems of Robert Service, a Canadian poet who is renowned for his captivating storytelling, vivid imagery, and unique rhyming scheme. The poem tells a poignant tale of a king who is about to be executed, and his desperate plea for mercy to his executioner. Through its simple yet powerful narrative, the poem captures the essence of humanity's struggle against fate, the inevitability of death, and the fleeting nature of power and glory. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the themes, structure, symbolism, and literary devices used in Kings Must Die and their significance to the overall meaning of the poem.
##Themes##
At the heart of Kings Must Die is the theme of mortality and the human quest for immortality. The poem portrays the king as a man who understands that his time on earth is limited, and that he must face the ultimate fate of death. However, the king is not ready to accept his fate, and instead, he begs for mercy, offering his wealth and power as a bribe to his executioner. This reflects the human desire to cling to life and the temporal things that bring us pleasure and comfort, even in the face of death.
Another significant theme in the poem is the futility of power and the inevitability of change. The king's power and authority, which once held his subjects in awe and admiration, are now meaningless in the face of his impending execution. The poem suggests that power is a fleeting and transient thing that can be taken away at any moment, and that change is an inevitable part of life. The king's plea for mercy serves as a reminder that no matter how powerful or influential we may be, we are all subject to the whims of fate.
Finally, Kings Must Die explores the themes of justice and mercy, and the tension between the two. The king's executioner represents the cold and impartial hand of justice, while the king's plea for mercy represents the human desire for compassion and forgiveness. The poem asks whether justice and mercy can coexist, or whether they are mutually exclusive. It also raises questions about the nature of justice, and whether it is always fair and impartial.
##Structure##
The structure of Kings Must Die is simple but effective. The poem consists of six stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, and the meter is iambic tetrameter. This gives the poem a steady and rhythmic flow that enhances its storytelling quality. The poem's structure also serves to emphasize the king's plea for mercy, which is repeated throughout the poem.
The repetition of the king's plea for mercy creates a sense of urgency and desperation, and highlights the theme of mortality and the fleeting nature of life. The repetition also serves to emphasize the power dynamic between the king and his executioner, and the tension between justice and mercy. The poem's structure is therefore essential to its overall meaning and impact.
##Symbolism##
The poem also uses symbolism to convey its themes and meaning. The king's crown, for example, represents his power and authority, which are now meaningless in the face of his execution. The crown is also a symbol of the transience of power and the inevitability of change. Similarly, the executioner's sword represents the cold and impartial hand of justice, which is necessary for maintaining order and stability, but which can also be cruel and unforgiving.
The poem's setting, which is described as a "dungeon cell," is also symbolic. The dungeon cell represents the king's confinement and impending death, but it also represents the human condition of being trapped in a mortal body with no escape from death. The dungeon cell serves as a metaphor for the transience of life, and the inevitability of death.
##Literary Devices##
Robert Service employs several literary devices to enhance the poem's storytelling quality and impact. One such device is alliteration, which is used throughout the poem to create a sense of rhythm and enhance the poem's musical quality. Examples of alliteration in the poem include "crown with a king," "keenness of the steel," and "death, doom, and despair."
Service also uses repetition to create a sense of urgency and emphasize the poem's message. The repetition of the king's plea for mercy, as mentioned earlier, is a powerful example of this. Another example is the repetition of the phrase "Kings must die" in the final stanza, which serves to emphasize the inevitability of death and the transience of power.
Finally, Service employs a metaphor in the phrase "the crown with a king," which is used to describe the king's power and authority. This metaphor serves to emphasize the fleeting nature of power and the inevitability of change. It also highlights the theme of mortality and the human quest for immortality, which is a recurring theme throughout the poem.
##Conclusion##
In conclusion, Kings Must Die is a masterpiece of Robert Service, a poem that captures the essence of humanity's struggle against fate, the inevitability of death, and the fleeting nature of power and glory. Through its simple yet powerful narrative, the poem explores themes of mortality, power, justice, and mercy, and uses symbolism, structure, and literary devices to enhance its storytelling quality and impact. Kings Must Die is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today, and serves as a powerful reminder of the transience of life and the inevitability of change.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Kings Must Die: A Poem of Triumph and Tragedy
Robert Service's Kings Must Die is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the themes of power, ambition, and mortality. Through vivid imagery and a masterful use of language, Service takes us on a journey through the rise and fall of a king, and the inevitable end that awaits us all.
The poem begins with a description of the king's ascent to power. We are told that he was "born to rule" and that he "climbed the throne with ease." The language here is confident and triumphant, reflecting the king's own sense of self-assurance and ambition. We are given the impression that this is a man who knows what he wants and will stop at nothing to get it.
As the poem progresses, however, we begin to see the darker side of the king's reign. We are told that he "crushed his foes with iron hand" and that he "ruled with fear and dread." The language here is harsh and unforgiving, reflecting the brutality of the king's rule. We are given the impression that this is a man who will do whatever it takes to maintain his power, even if it means sacrificing the lives of his subjects.
Despite his ruthless nature, however, the king is not immune to the passage of time. We are told that "his hair grew thin and grey" and that "his eyes grew dim and dull." The language here is melancholic and reflective, reflecting the inevitability of aging and mortality. We are given the impression that even the most powerful of men must eventually face their own mortality.
As the poem draws to a close, we are presented with a powerful image of the king's death. We are told that "he died alone and cold" and that "his crown lay shattered on the ground." The language here is stark and haunting, reflecting the finality of death and the futility of power. We are given the impression that even the most powerful of men must eventually succumb to the inevitable.
In many ways, Kings Must Die is a poem about the human condition. It explores the themes of power, ambition, and mortality, and reminds us that even the most powerful of men must eventually face their own mortality. Through vivid imagery and a masterful use of language, Service takes us on a journey through the rise and fall of a king, and the inevitable end that awaits us all.
Overall, Kings Must Die is a powerful and evocative poem that speaks to the human experience in a profound and meaningful way. Whether you are a fan of poetry or simply looking for a thought-provoking read, this poem is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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